Prolactinoma

Prolactinoma is a non-cancerous hormone-producing tumor that generates over-production of the hormone prolactin. It is the most common type of pituitary tumor. Prolactinomas require treatment to alleviate symptoms. High levels of prolactin in individuals can lead to symptoms such as sexual dysfunction, breast tenderness and lactation, sexual dysfunction, and more.

If you are suffering from any cranial or brain conditions, we urge you to see our brain specialists at ONE® Brain & Spine Center® for consultation so we may help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life. Call (949) 383-4190 to schedule an appointment.

Prolactinoma do not appear to have a genetic connection, and it still remains unknown what causes it.

If you have a skull base chordoma, the most common symptoms that you will experience are related to pain or changes in nerve function such as:

Breast pain or tenderness

Decreased libido

Erectile dysfunction

Infertility

Irregular menstrual cycle

Runny nose or changes in sense of smell

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

Fatigue

Vision problems

Diagnosing prolactinoma includes blood test to test elevated levels of prolactin, followed by further hormone test to detect excess hormones. For more definitive diagnosis, pecial imaging or scans are required to produce detailed images of the brain and to detect the presence of a tumor.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – MRI shows the soft tissues of the body and gives clearer picture of the skull base and spine.Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)- Combined CT scan and myleography produces image that clearly show both the bone structures of the spine and the nerve structuresAngiography – A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain hormones released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body.

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Prolactinoma may be treated with medicaiton using prolactin-suppressing drugs. Prolactinoma is rarely treated with radiation. If the medication cannot alleviate the symptoms, prolactinoma may be removed surgically. ONE® Brain & Spine Center® is home to an internationally recognized surgical team with advanced skills in minimally invasive procedures to remove pituitary tumors. Southern California neurosurgeon Robert Louis, MD, use the endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeryapproaches to remove pituitary tumors, with no head or facial scarring.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatments

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery- The endoscopic transsphenoidal surgical procedure uses a light called endoscope inserted into the nostril and sphenoid sinus to access and remove pituitary tumors. The term transsphenoidal literally means “through the sphenoid sinus.”

Diagnosing prolactinoma includes blood test to test elevated levels of prolactin, followed by further hormone test to detect excess hormones. For more definitive diagnosis, pecial imaging or scans are required to produce detailed images of the brain and to detect the presence of a tumor.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – MRI shows the soft tissues of the body and gives clearer picture of the skull base and spine.Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)- Combined CT scan and myleography produces image that clearly show both the bone structures of the spine and the nerve structuresAngiography – A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain hormones released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body.

Prolactinoma may be treated with medicaiton using prolactin-suppressing drugs. Prolactinoma is rarely treated with radiation. If the medication cannot alleviate the symptoms, prolactinoma may be removed surgically. ONE® Brain & Spine Center® is home to an internationally recognized surgical team with advanced skills in minimally invasive procedures to remove pituitary tumors. Southern California neurosurgeon Robert Louis, MD, use the endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeryapproaches to remove pituitary tumors, with no head or facial scarring.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatments

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery- The endoscopic transsphenoidal surgical procedure uses a light called endoscope inserted into the nostril and sphenoid sinus to access and remove pituitary tumors. The term transsphenoidal literally means “through the sphenoid sinus.”

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